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LSV clubs and state-wide projects have received over $1.7 million funding in the first round of the Victorian Government’s $15 million Emergency Services Volunteer Sustainability (ESVS) Grants Program.

Minister for Emergency Services James Merlino recently visited the Australian Volunteer Coast Guard’s Frankston Flotilla to congratulate successful recipients from a number of volunteer emergency services.

The grant funds will go towards supporting emergency services volunteers right across the state, with 261 grants worth over $5 million approved in the first round of the grants program.

The ESVS program provides funding to volunteers, brigades, units and clubs from volunteer emergency service organisations, including LSV, for equipment and projects including operational equipment, facility improvements, training and development and community education.

In the first round of the program, successful grants have been awarded to 20 LSV clubs, amounting to over $588,000. A number of clubs are also waiting on confirmation of funding in the program’s second round. Club projects funded to date include:

LSV has also been successful in receiving funding for a range of state-wide projects, including:

Rescue gear and equipment purchase and replacement;

Development of a digital risk assessment tool;

Upgrade for VET CERT IV changes;

Development of a volunteer trainer app to automate information on assessments;

Operational leadership program for new and emerging club leaders;

Active training program including purchase of gear and resources;

Rip current education digital learning content;

Enhancement of the everyday lifesaver app;

Purchase of volunteer uniforms; and

Development of over 55’s strategy and resources.

LSV President Tom Mollenkopf says that the ESVS program has enabled a number of projects, facility upgrades and equipment purchases, which will greatly enhance the ability for LSV’s 32,000 volunteers to deliver vital beach patrol and water safety education services.

“On behalf of LSV and all Victorian lifesaving clubs, I’d like to thank the Victorian Government for making these projects possible,” he said.

For further information about the ESVS program and to view a full list of successful projects, see the program website.